Pro-European Euroscepticism? The particular case of Serbia’s opposition parties

Abstract

This article examines the emergence of a novel trend of pro-European Euroscepticism in Serbia, concentrating on its articulation within pro-EU opposition parties. Historically supportive of European Union (EU) accession, these parties have begun to voice substantial criticism of EU policies and practices. This shift in stance is particularly notable in the context of EU accession negotiations stagnating and the EU's perceived lack of engagement in Serbia's democratisation, which has resulted in the strengthening of stabilitocracy. Using qualitative methods, the study asks whether Eurosceptic rhetoric has entered the domain of traditionally pro-EU parties and, if so, what the principal arguments are. Employing the typology of Euroscepticism developed by Kopecký and Mudde, the article categorises party stances as Euroenthusiasts, Eurosceptics, Europragmatists, and Eurorejects. The article focuses on pro-EU opposition parties that adopt Eurosceptic rhetoric, experimenting with the term ‘pro-European Euroscepticism’. Parties that support the EU seek cooperation to address national challenges, including corruption and environmental issues, but express disappointment with the EU's reluctance to defend its stated values – such as the rule of law, political plurality and environmental protection. The study highlights how EU policy inefficiencies and stabilitocracy fuel Euroscepticism in Serbia, emphasising the nuanced perspectives of pro-EU opposition parties.